It’s important to get to it right away because oil can darken stone if it sinks in and dries (especially if it’s unpolished slate). It probably won’t leave a stain after a few hours but try to get to it as soon as you notice.
Stone is porous, so it’s important to wring out the sponge so you’re not exposing it to lots of water.
Undiluted vinegar is extremely acidic and can damage grout lines and stone surfaces, so be sure to dilute it to about 50% (or more if you’re worried about it). If you don’t have a nylon brush, you can also use a medium-bristled toothbrush.
This is a great option for polished stone like granite, quartzite, and marble. You can buy 100% acetone from your local hardware or home goods store. You can also use nail polish remover if you have some.
Grease that sits too long can stain your hardwood floor. It’s much easier to clean up a spill than it is to lift a stain.
If you’re only spot-cleaning a greasy area, cut the recipe in half or a quarter. You can also put a lid on the bucket and save the solution for future cleanings. If you have waxed floors, only use a small capful of vinegar (1 to 2 oz or 30 to 60 mL) or omit it altogether because it can damage the wax.
Don’t use the rough side of the sponge because it can damage the wood. It’s best to use a soft microfiber mop because it won’t soak up a ton of water (water and wood aren’t friends, especially if you have natural wood or laminate). It’s important to squeeze out excess water because pouring lots of water on wood can make it expand and crown (or lift up at the edges).
Don’t let the solution dry on the floor because it can leave it looking streaky and dull.
If you see any sign of the finish coming off on the cotton ball or rag as you’re wiping it on, stop and go over the area with a damp rag. Don’t use acetone (or nail polish remover) as a substitute because it will eat through the finish on your wood floors. Vapors from mineral spirits can make you dizzy or irritate your throat, so it’s best to only use it in a well-ventilated area. If you’re cleaning a spill that occurred in a room that’s not well-ventilated, set up a fan before you open the bottle and get to work.
Always wring out your mop! Plopping a sopping-wet mop onto a linoleum floor can stain it or cause it to lift up (which is a way bigger problem than a simple oil spill).
If the grease stain is still there, try again but add a little more baking soda so it really fizzles up.
Don’t use a heavy-duty scrub brush or steel wool because they’re too abrasive and might scratch the vinyl. Vinyl floors can stand up to water better than other types of flooring, but it’s still a good idea to dry the floor after you’ve cleaned it.
If the stain is ultra-stubborn, you may want to clean it with a stripper or cleaning formula specially designed for vinyl floors. You can find these things at most home goods or hardware stores.
Don’t use anything with ammonia or bleach in it on finished concrete floors because it can eat through the shiny coating.
You can also use a dish brush or medium-bristled toothbrush.
If the area starts to look like it’s drying before 15 minutes is up, spray it with more degreaser.
You can also use stronger chemicals like bleach or ammonia—unfinished (i. e. not shiny) concrete can stand up to most strong cleaning solutions. Don’t leave the hydrogen peroxide on for longer than 20 minutes because it could bleach the concrete.
